In our latest instalment of the Inspiring Leaders series, we spoke to Lynsey Eyre, People & Culture Lead UKI. From navigating early life challenges and becoming a mum at a young age, to building a meaningful career in HR, Lynsey shares the experiences that shaped her confidence, values and approach to leadership today. 

Every Journey Starts Somewhere 

My journey hasn’t been a straight line, and for a long time I didn’t really know where I was heading. Looking back now, though, I can clearly see how every personal challenge, unexpected change and difficult moment helped shape the person — and leader — I am today. 

I grew up in Burnley and I’ve never really left. My childhood was fairly simple, but not without its difficulties. My parents separated when I was around 14, and I faced some challenges after their separation. Experiences like that taught me resilience early on, even if I didn’t realise it at the time. 

School was another challenge. I was very shy and quiet, and during my first year of secondary school I was badly bullied. It reached a point where my mum decided I couldn’t go back, and within a week she found me a place at another school. That decision completely changed everything. 

The new school didn’t have the best reputation, but for me it was the best thing that could have happened. The classes were smaller, the teachers were kinder, and I felt encouraged to be myself. It gave me confidence and helped me understand how I learn best — not academically, but by doing, seeing and talking things through. That’s something that’s stayed with me ever since. 

Early Career Choices and Life‑Changing Moments 

When I left school, I had no clear idea what I wanted to do. I worked part‑time, helped look after my nephew, and eventually went to college to study beauty therapy. I enjoyed it, but even then I knew it wasn’t going to be my long‑term career. 

Around the same time, I was told I might never be able to have children. That news was life‑changing. At just 20 years old, my partner Craig and I bought and started renovating a house, thinking our future would look very different from what most people expect at that age. 

Then everything changed — I found out I was pregnant. 

Becoming a mum so young was both wonderful and overwhelming. I faced health challenges throughout my pregnancy, and the lack of flexibility and support at work made things even more difficult. After maternity leave, I knew I couldn’t return to that environment. 

Instead, I did what I needed to do for my family. I worked part‑time retail roles, late evenings, weekends — whatever fitted around childcare. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me determination and resilience in a way nothing else could. 

Building Confidence Later Than Expected 

By the time I was approaching 30, I still didn’t feel like I had a “career.” What I did have was a strong work ethic, a love for people, and a growing curiosity about leadership. 

While working at Tesco, a manager believed in me before I believed in myself. She encouraged me to apply for a management training programme — and honestly, it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. My confidence was low and self‑doubt was high. 

The application process included interviews, role plays and creating a “3D CV” to visually explain my journey. Against expectations — and while working part‑time — I was the only person in my group to get onto the programme. 

The year that followed pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. I learned about operations, finance, HR and leadership, often under pressure and with very direct feedback. There were moments when I ended up in tears — but I also learned that making mistakes doesn’t mean failure. It means learning. 

That experience made me stronger, more resilient and more confident in owning my development. 

Discovering My Passion for HR 

Through leadership, I realised the part of the role I loved most was supporting people. HR became the area I was truly passionate about — employee relations, wellbeing and employee experience. 

I moved into an HR administrator role in logistics and worked my way up through several positions, gaining experience across recruitment, employee relations, payroll, wellbeing initiatives, union work and managing the challenges of COVID in a frontline environment. 

While the role gave me valuable experience, it also tested me. Working under a difficult manager really challenged my confidence — but it also reinforced a belief I hold strongly today: the impact of managers and workplace culture on someone’s confidence and career is huge. 

Despite the challenges, I completed my CIPD Level 3 and kept moving forward. 

Sometimes You Have to Step Back to Move Forward 

Wanting to broaden my experience, I moved into an HR shared services role. Although it felt like a step back on paper, it was a strategic decision. I wanted to understand HR at scale, across different systems and businesses. 

When opportunities arose — often through maternity cover or organisational change — I put myself forward, even when my confidence wobbled. Each step helped me grow, gain clarity and build belief in myself. 

Those experiences eventually led me into my current role, where I work on employee experience, rewards and benefits — shaping moments that genuinely impact people at work. 

The People Who Shaped My Journey 

The leaders who inspired me most are the ones who believed in me and supported me at key moments, especially when life was tough. 

One manager in particular demonstrated extraordinary strength through personal challenges while continuing to support and uplift others. Watching her made me realise that you can build a career, raise a family, face adversity and still show up for people. 

Those experiences are why I’m so passionate about employee experience today. I’ve seen both sides — and I know how powerful it is when leaders genuinely care. 

What I’ve Learned Along the Way 

My journey didn’t follow a traditional timeline. I didn’t have everything figured out in my twenties — or even my early thirties. What got me here wasn’t certainty or instant confidence, but persistence, curiosity and courage. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: 

• It’s never too late to find your path 

• Confidence grows through experience, not perfection 

• The right people and culture make all the difference 

I’m proud of where I am today — not because the journey was easy, but because I kept going. 

What’s Something on Your Bucket List?
To live and work in another country. I’d love to experience a different culture and way of living — maybe Australia or the US one day. 

Early Bird or Night Owl?
Definitely an early bird. I’m most productive in the mornings, and I love getting up early, getting organised and firing through my emails. 

Best Concert or Event You’ve Attended?
Mamma Mia! The Party in London. I went with my daughter for her 18th birthday and it was genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. 

Summer or Winter?
Summer — always. I love the sunshine and being warm. Winter is just cold and dark! 

Favourite Pizza Topping?
Margherita. Always. I’m a very fussy eater and I don’t stray from it.